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Saturday, January 15, 2011

EXPLORATION GUIDE: STARFISH BEACH AT IVORY KAI

While there may be more famous and prolific "starfish" beaches in other parts of the world, I am more than content with Grand Cayman's own little Starfish Beach just down the street from our home. There is no guarantee that you will find any of the large orange Cushion Stars "sunning" themselves in the shallows, but I have been able to come across them more often then not. If out exploring Rum Point and the Eastern Districts or having lunch at the Kaibo Yacht Club, be sure to set aside some time to hunt for starfish.

Please remember, Cushion Starfish are living organisms and are protected in this Marine Replenishment Zone on the North Sound. These beautiful, but fragile creatures should not be handled or removed from the water. Take enjoyment from observing them in their natural, unmolested state. The more they get handled they less they visit. Yes, you will pick them up to look at them, everybody does; but please be a conscientious admirer and let them be after your investigation.

*** PLEASE NOTE: The Ivory Kai peninsula entranceway is/may be closed to the public. If this is the case when visiting, you will need to walk along the beach (look for a nearby lot to park) or visit by boat. ***

LOCATION DETAILS (19°21'22.07"N 81°17'0.38"W): To reach this tranquil spot, follow posted or written/map directions to Rum Point on the North Side. Just prior to the Rum Point Club "barrels" entrance sign you will see a large posted sign for the Kaibo Yacht Club and Restaurant, make a left onto Water Cay Rd. Follow Water Cay Rd. for 1 mile and make a right at split, towards Kaibo Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant. Take road to end (Kaibo will be on your left), you will soon see the entrance to the idle development of Ivory Sands at Ivory Kai Point. Follow the paved entrance road down the palm tree lined promenade to its end. There is a lip of asphalt down to the sand of a few inches where the pavement ends, so slow down and take one of the sand road trails towards the water and find a parking space. I usually head to the left, and park near the spit of sand at the head of the point.

If you reached this, you missed the left turn off Rum Point/Sand Pointe Rd. to Water Cay Rd.

Follow the signs towards Kaibo, bear right

Entrance to the stalled development - Ivory Sands at Ivory Kai Point. If the entrance is closed-off, park in the cleared lot to the left and walk along the public beach to the point.

Drive on through the covered entrance This entrance is now sometimes gated and locked.

Head down the palm-tree-lined promenade (look out for fallen trees)

Pick a Parking Spot (look out for all the trash)

Make your way towards the spit of sand at the point

Also a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a nice bottle of wine

Join in the search for starfish

If the main entrance is closed-off, park in the cleared lot by the pine trees at the far end of this picture and walk along the beach. Starfish can be found in both the sandy and grassy shallows.

Some days there are quite a few, other times not a creature to be found

Wagering on the fastest starfish is a favorite past-time

WHERE TO FIND THEM: Starting from the point of sand, head in either direction searching the shallows for dark spots that look like they might be starfish. The floor of the sound is sand and turtle grass, so bare feet or reef shoes are fine for wading. If you cannot locate any close to shore, you may have to wade out a little ways. Out by the point of sand, the drop-off is very steep, but if you snorkel I have usually been able to find some starfish where the base of the sand meets the grass on the sound floor. The waters around the point are a nursery area for stingrays and many species of fish. So keep one eye focused on the water for interesting marine life and the other focused to the sky for some friendly (hungry) terrestrial ones as well...This poor little birdcage escapee came looking for some food

2 comments:

Testudo, thank you for this post! I love starfish and really wanted to see this spot. Because of your post, we were able to find it easily and see a few starfish, although it seemed that we saw more on our walk along the beach to Starfish Point than the actual Starfish Point itself! A true treat, thanks!

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Introduction

While relatively new to spending time on the little rock that is Grand Cayman, I am eager to explore every inch she has to offer. In my short time snorkeling Grand Cayman's crystalline waters and taking in the sights, I have developed a deep respect and reverence for the natural world contained within her boundaries.

Hopefully by building awareness of the people, places and things that are often overlooked or unknown, the hidden side of Cayman will be just a bit more visible for those willing to look.

So for those willing to leave the travel magazine and guidebook world of Grand Cayman behind...I hope to help you find the best snorkeling on Grand Cayman and some other unique spots I have come across; plus provide some advice on what you can expect once you get there.

Please feel free to leave comments on any posts, make recommendations for improving the guides, suggest locations you would like to see guides for, ask any questions regarding snorkeling or anything else about Grand Cayman

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About Me

My passion is snorkeling. I have had the privilege to be able to visit some of the best snorkeling locations throughout the Caribbean and Hawaii; bearing witness some truly fantastic natural sights. Snorkeling Grand Cayman's waters rank up there with the best I have experienced in the Caribbean. To find these most rewarding snorkel spots, you just need to know where to go and be open to exploring.